Feed Play Love
1,887 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsFrom nurturing newborns to taming toddlers, we unravel the art and science of parenting with real-life stories and expert advice. The hilarious to the humbling and all the nitty gritty in between.
Produced and presented by mum of two and journalist, Shevonne Hunt.
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Episodes
Why Ben Jenkins talked about having kids on a blind date
February 27, 2020 19:00 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBNot many people bring up kids on their first date. Particularly when the date has been set up by friends (and the details of what you want are not outlined on a Tinder profile). But this is exactly what Ben Jenkins did when he met his future wife Stacey.Ben had been through quite a bit by this point, and he was all about being honest.When Stacey didn't run away, they started to plan for the future.Ben talks about being diagnosed with prostate cancer, falling in love, and making a baby.You can...
Understanding your choices in child birth
February 26, 2020 19:00 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBWhen it comes down to it, there are really only two ways to give birth: vaginally or via cesarean. But between conception and birth there are many choices to make. Dianne Zalitis is a midwife and is the Clinical Lead of Pregnancy, Birth and BabyDianne takes us through the different choices you can make, including the questions you can ask your health providers.. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Helpline: Gagging, bed-sharing, runners and more
February 25, 2020 19:00 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBMothercraft nurse Chris Minogue has been working with families for over 30 years, and can help you get some perspective when dealing with a tricky or challenging situation.On this episode of she helps with: A 13-month-old who gags himself for attention, getting an eight-month-old to sleep in his cot, a milk-chucking four-week-old, a three-year-old who refuses to eat (and has low iron) - Chris refers to Dr Jen Cohen in her response, how to wean a 21-month-old when you're eight months pregnant,...
Why parents need to know the dangers of e-cigarettes
February 24, 2020 19:05 - 7 minutes - 6.7 MBIt has been accepted for a long time now that passive smoke from cigarettes is bad for children. But what do we know about the dangers of e-cigarettes? Dr Anthea Rhodes is the Director of the RCH National Child Health Poll. Their latest research looks at the use of 'vaping' in families. Anthea explains why parents need to think hard about vaping around their children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New research shows men's fertility also drops with age
February 24, 2020 19:00 - 7 minutes - 7.11 MBIf you are a woman over 30, chances are you have been told you need to get a wriggle on if you want to have children. It's equally possible that a man of the same age has been told that. Female fertility drops significantly after the age of 35, and it has been widely believed that men can continue fathering children well into their seventies (thank you Mick Jagger). But new research from Monash University has found that a man's age also affects his fertility, and has an impact on the success ...
Managing your money when you have small kids
February 23, 2020 19:00 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBLacey Filipich understands what it's like to have small children and feel you have no choice when it comes to your money. But Lacey herself was financial independent by the time she had her first child. That is, she no longer needed a wage to support herself. And while she was able to do this because she started young, she says it's not too late for parents with young children. Lacey explains how she became financially independent and why it's possible for everyone to follow in her footsteps....
Growing up with a grandfather's stories
February 20, 2020 19:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBWhat kinds of traditions do you have from your childhood, that you pass on to your children now? It could be things you do at special times of the year, or even a song you sing them at bedtime. Maree McCarthy Yoelu has stories from her grandfather, ones that explain everything from the changing seasons to dangerous places best left alone. In her picture book Brother Moon Maree tells one of these stories. Maree talks about her childhood, her grandfather and the influence of language, culture a...
Why pet adoption might be perfect for your family
February 19, 2020 19:00 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBThere comes a time when, if you don't have one, many children become desperate for a pet.Many children can't walk past a pet shop without going in to coo over the puppies and kittens on display. But there are plenty of animals that need a home, that you can't buy in a pet shop. Avalon Treharne works with PetSTOCK and is a passionate advocate for their charity PetSTOCK Assist. Avalon explains why adopting a pet can help you find the perfect pet for your family, and why the idea that rescue ani...
Helpline: Settling without feeding or rocking, bottle obsessions and more
February 18, 2020 19:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBMothercraft nurse Chris Minogue has had over 30 years experience helping families navigate the unchartered waters of parenthood. Every week she joins host Shevonne Hunt to answer your questions about sleep, feeding and behaviour.Feed Play Love This week that includes: How to help a six-month-old sleep without rocking or feeding, when it's best to start a four-month-old on four feeds a day, when to settle and when to feed a four-month-old at night, how to help a toddler move to a new home, a t...
To stay or go: when is a relationship worth saving?
February 18, 2020 07:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBLove after children can change. There's the love you feel for your children, and there are their needs (that can feel all-consuming). When it comes to your partner, you may find you're acting more like a pair of good friends than as lovers. For some this transition can make sense and doesn't feel permanent. For others it can feel like the death of your relationship. Elisabeth Shaw is a practicing psychologist and the NSW CEO for Relationships Australia. She gives us some tips on how can you t...
A quick course in first aid for babies
February 16, 2020 19:00 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MBWhen you bring your baby home from the hospital your head is already full of advice from midwives and obstetricians. Learning first aid is probably the last thing on your mind. But Sarah Hunstead thinks there are some very basic things you need to know. Sarah is the Founding Director of CPR Kids, and spent 15 years in the paediatric emergency department, so she knows what she's talking about. She runs through the first response we should have with fever, rashes and burns. See omnystudio.com/...
Mother of eight (including quints) gives tips on staying sane
February 13, 2020 19:00 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBKim Tucci had three children already before she fell pregnant with quintuplets. Now her quints are starting school, and she's released a book called I've had 8 babies, and if there's one thing I've learned ...Kim talks about what it's like carrying five babies, birthing them, and how she's stayed sane with eight children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Parents - you are important too!
February 12, 2020 19:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBWhen you become a parent you want to know everything there is to know about how to raise your child to be happy, healthy and successful. To do this, many people turn to books, the internet or parenting forums to get the best advice on how to make your child eat all the vegetables, how to bounce back from adversity and which music classes they should take. But what if the secret to their happiness lay in ? What if understanding your own needs, and meeting them, was the ultimate way to ensure y...
Helpline: Dropping day naps, challenging toddlers and more
February 11, 2020 19:00 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBRaising small children is full of challenges. They may be waking through the night, refusing food or behaving in confusing ways. Mothercraft nurse Chris Minogue has been helping parents solve these dilemmas for over 30 years. Today she gives advice on: A two and a half-year-old trying to drop a needed nap, a twenty-two month old who sleeps well at night, but not-so-well during the day, managing challenging toddler behaviours, a twenty-two-month-old procrastinating at bedtime, a three-and-a-ha...
Understanding your toddler's challenging behaviour
February 10, 2020 19:00 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBToddlers can be a handful. You need to follow them everywhere, because you never know when they'll climb on top of your cupboard, pour flour all over your kitchen floor or discover your precious stash of chocolate.They can also be incredibly defiant and wilful. Thank goodness they're so dang cute! But there are very important, developmental reasons why toddlers can be so challenging. Dr Kate Highfield is an expert in early learning with Early Childhood Australia. She goes through some of the ...
Why talking is so good for your baby
February 09, 2020 19:00 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBSmall babies are fascinating creatures. You can spend a whole day lost in their little faces and expressions.But communication can seem impossible. After all, they can't talk can they? Olwen Forker is the Clinical Director at BackChat Speech Pathology. She says that while your baby can't talk back - talking to your baby is important for their development. Olwen explains what happens when you chat to your baby. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Turia Pitt on her second pregnancy and why kids are inherently resilient
February 06, 2020 19:00 - 8 minutes - 7.8 MBSecond pregnancies are never the same as the first - just ask Turia Pitt. With son Hakavai in tow she set up Spend with Themwith her friend Gracie McBride to help businesses impacted by the bush fires and became an ambassador for the Bonds Baby Search - WonderBumps.Turia talks about the biggest difference with this pregnancy, and why she thinks Australians are the best of the bunch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What to do when your kid doesn't want to go to school
February 05, 2020 19:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBThe school term has finally started, with some children excited about being back, and others finding it really hard. Getting a child to school when they don't want to go is tough. Especially when the complaints start from the moment they wake up. Elisabeth Shaw is the CEO of Relationships Australia, NSW. Elisabeth gives tips on how we can encourage our children, and shares practical advice on how to deal with the dreaded drop off. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Helpline: Bed time procrastination, biting breastfeeders and more
February 04, 2020 19:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MBExperienced Mothercraft nurse Chris Minogue joins every week to answer questions about babies, toddlers and siblings.Feed Play Love In this episode this includes: A four-year-old bedtime procrastinator, a night-waking 19-month-old, a two-year-old fighting needed day naps, a nine-month-old biting breast-feeder, getting a four-month-old to sleep in the car, the best age to transition to a big bed, a 21-month-old who hates doctors and nurses, the right time for a seven-month-old to have sleep ov...
What parents need to know about the Coronavirus
February 03, 2020 19:00 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBThere is a lot of information about the Novel Coronavirus on the internet, but Sarah Hunstead is the person parents need to listen to. Sarah is the Founding Director of CPR Kids and a mother of two.She is an expert at arming parents with what they need to know in order to keep their children safe and healthy. Sarah explains what we know about this Coronavirus to date, and whether we should be on alert. Relevant links: Department of Health: Coronavirus update at a glance See omnystudio.com/li...
The alternative to school that's on the rise
February 02, 2020 19:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBEverywhere around Australia children have started back at school. They'll be pulling on shoes, uniforms and backpacks. But not all children go to their local primary school.Many children are being home schooled, and the number choosing this alternative way to educate their kids are on the rise. Susan Wight is from the not-for-profit Home Education Network.She explains why parents choose to home school their children, and what it involves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When workplace discrimination turned out to be the best thing ever
January 30, 2020 19:00 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBNatasha Stewart re-entered the workforce after having her first child feeling hopeful that she was starting a new and exciting career. It wasn't long before she realised that her new industry, and in particular her new place of work, was not compatible with parenthood. After trying to make it work for six months she was called into her employer's office and asked to "leave quietly. And that is the start of her story. Natasha talks about being fired, having PND and making out of it all bigger ...
Why Big Ted is stepping into the digital age
January 29, 2020 19:00 - 10 minutes - 9.88 MBBig Ted has beenListen to Nada Rogic on teaching toddlers for over fifty years, and things have changed a lot for kids in that time. Where once Big Ted may have been explaining how a landline telephone worked, these days most toddlers have never even seen one. And so, in collaboration with the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, Big Ted has stepped into the digital age. Nada Rogic is the lead of the Early Years program at the office, which is all about educating the under fives about how to ...
Helpline special: Bringing a second baby home
January 28, 2020 19:00 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MBOn this special Mothercraft nurse Chris Minogue looks at how to prepare for the arrival of a second baby. This includes how to prepare your toddler for their little brother or sister, how to set up support systems for yourself and a stack of practical tips on how to manage things like getting a baby to sleep with a rambunctious toddler in the house.Helpline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New app helps you organise all your finances
January 27, 2020 19:05 - 7 minutes - 7.37 MBA new personal finance app from finder.com aims to help you get the best deals on all your bills, and help you save more. Kate Browne, the Personal Finance Expert at finder.com.au explains how it works. Get on the wait list for the new finder.com.au app here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's really happening when you're sleep deprived
January 27, 2020 19:00 - 8 minutes - 8.14 MBSleep deprivation is a given when you're a new parent. You may be lucky, but babies are born to feed, not sleep. And so it is that many of us spend the first months walking around in a daze. Gemma Paech is a Senior Sleep Specialist at the University of Newcastle. She explains what's happening when parents go through this period of broken sleep. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The key thing that's missing in our kid's education
January 26, 2020 19:00 - 21 minutes - 20.2 MBGabbie Stroud is a former teacher who came to prominence with her last book Teacher.In it she documented her own struggle to keep the heart in a profession she loved. Now she's moving the conversation on to include those of us with the highest stakes in education: parents. Dear Parentsis an attempt to open up a conversation between teachers and parents. In this interview Gabbie outlines what is missing in education today, and what parents and teachers can do about it. See omnystudio.com/list...
A migrant story: Raising your child in a strange land
January 23, 2020 19:00 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBMaram Ismail is a podcaster, radio and online journalist with SBS Arabic 24. She came to Australia from Jordan in her 20s and began her studies in journalism. Since then she has started her own family with her Egyptian Australian husband. Maram talks about the experience of raising her daughter in Australia, and what it's like having a family far from home. Maram's podcast My Arab Identity is available on the SBS website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What parents can do about climate change
January 22, 2020 19:00 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBWhen you have small children doing anything beyond keeping them alive can feel impossible. But what happens if you're passionate about the environment? What can you do if you're scared witless by the current state of the climate, and what it means for your child's future? Suzie Brown is the co-founder of Australian Parents for Climate Change ActionShe believes that parents have a fundamental role to play in advocating for real action on climate change. She gives practical, easy things that pa...
Helpline: Rolling babies, early-waking babies, bottle refusing babies and more
January 21, 2020 19:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBEvery baby is different, as is every parent. Finding an answer on Google for particular challenge doesn't always work. But what does work is asking Mothercraft nurse Chris Minogue. With over thirty years experience she knows how to tweak routines to get you back on a smoother path. On this episode of Chris helps: A rolling four-month-old baby (who wakes every time she rolls), transitioning a two-and-a-half-year-old from a sleeping bag to sheets, an early-waking seven-month-old, alternatives ...
Why we all need a personal trainer for our vagina
January 20, 2020 19:00 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBPersonal trainer Tara Stojanovski is on a mission. The Director of Fit Mama Co wants women everywhere, particularly pregnant women or new mums, to consider getting a PT for their vagina. Tara explains why understanding your pelvic floor and getting a regular exercise regime in place can make a big difference to your overall health and wellbeing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Getting financially ready for the school year
January 19, 2020 19:00 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBSchool is very different from day care. If this is your first child attending "big school" you probably have a stack of new information that you're trying to digest. Having a sense of what you'll need financially for the year ahead can be helpful. Kate Browne is the Managing Editor at finder.com.au She gives us a run down on what payments we need to set aside for the school year ahead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
War Child: a charity supporting kids in war-torn countries
January 16, 2020 19:00 - 10 minutes - 9.99 MBFormer Executive Director of Unicef, Carol Bellamy once said,"When the lives and rights of children are at stake, there must be no silent witnesses." This quote is something that resonates with Tara Wynne, a literary agent and volunteer for War Child, a charity that supports children in war-torn countries. Tara has been involved in publishing books to support the charity, including Funny BonesTara explains how the charity works in countries far from Australia.. See omnystudio.com/listener f...
When do we need to start talking about sex?
January 15, 2020 19:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MBChildren are curious creatures. You could be driving to the playground and they'll ask you how babies are made. Not all parents are comfortable talking about the birds and the bees, and sometimes it's hard to work out what the right response is. Plus, when are we meant to start talking about puberty? Lily Isobella from The One a Day Project has the answers. For Lily's list of appropriate books check out her website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Helpline: Babies who need to be held to sleep, separation anxiety and more
January 14, 2020 19:00 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBRaising small children is an all-consuming experience. Sometimes it's difficult to see the forest for the trees. Mothercraft nurse Chris Minogue is here to give you perspective and find ways to tweak your routine or feeding to make life smoother. This week on Chris helps: A 10 week-old who needs to be held to sleep, a two and a-half-year-old twin who gets upset every time someone leaves, an 11 week-old not sleeping well during the day, weaning a two-and-a-half year old off breastfeeding, how ...
What to expect when you bring your baby home
January 13, 2020 19:00 - 10 minutes - 9.74 MBComing home from hospital after childbirth can be quite the anti-climax. Consider the nine months you've been preparing for the birth of your baby, and then the dramatic way she entered the world. Jumping in the car and coming home feels a little bit run-of-the-mill. The contrast between the hospital world and your own home, which is unchanged since the earth shattering experience of childbirth, can feel both overwhelming and surreally normal. Dianne Zalitis is a midwife and the Clinical Lead...
Empowering kids through storytelling
January 12, 2020 19:00 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MBResearcher and strategist Annabel Blake and designer Deb Ho believe that we are all made of stories and that stories can therefore change the world. The duo have formed a new company Little Literature Coto build stories and games that encourage girls to imagine themselves as the protagtonists, leaders and scientists of the future. Annabel and Deb explain how we can help girls embrace STEM subjects through story telling, and explain how their first game Talu Talesworks for children of all age...
The most important thing kids need to flourish
January 09, 2020 19:00 - 14 minutes - 13.8 MBMost parents do their best to raise their kids well. At the same time, many worry that they're not doing it right. Dr Dan Siegel has a very powerful message. Not only is it okay to make mistakes, but there is one key thing you can do that will help your child flourish. Dan has written a book called The Power of Showing Upwith co-author Tina Payne Bryson. He explains what it means to 'show up' and why making mistakes (as a parent) can lead to a resilient child. See omnystudio.com/listener for...
Helping children cope with the fires
January 08, 2020 19:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBThe bushfires around the country are overwhelming. It's difficult to process the extent of the devastation as a parent, so how do we help our children? Margaret Nixon is the Workforce Officer for the National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health and Marcela Nolasco is a clinical psychologist at Little Steps Psychology. Together they tell us how parents can deal with the uncertainty of being in a fire zone, making children feel comfortable in evacuation centres and the types of behaviour y...
Helpline: Babies who prefer mum over dad, traveling sleep routines and more
January 07, 2020 19:00 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBMothercraft nurse Chris Minogue is back after the summer break. Chris has over 30 years experience helping families tweak their schedules so that family life can flow more smoothly. On this episode of she tackles: A 22-month-old who won't let dad do anything, sleep routines for a one-year-old traveling to Singapore, a cat-napping eight-week-old, a 16-month-old who will only do day naps in the pram, how to wean an 11-month-old, settling a six-month-old who doesn't want to sleep in their cot, ...
How to best support families affected by the bush fires
January 06, 2020 19:00 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBAs bush fires continue across the country people are wondering how best to support families affected by the disaster. There are multiple calls for financial donations, and others for material goods. So what is the most helpful way to get involved? Jessica Macpherson is the CEO of the charity St Kilda Mums. Her organisation has been helping families in need since 2009. Jessica explains the simplest way to help those families suffering right now. For more links on how you can support families i...
Sticking to new year goals that matter
January 05, 2020 19:00 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBA new year can be a great opportunity to set some goals. But are New Year's resolutions the answer? And how do you choose the kinds of goals that count? Danielle Colley is a life coach at Your Good LifeShe has some really practical tips to setting meaningful goals, and how to make them happen.. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time to redefine the meaning of motherhood
December 19, 2019 19:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBAmy Taylor-Kabbaz is a journalist and mother of three who wanted to know why motherhood had turned her world upside down. After her first child was born she started researching everything she could to find the root cause of why so many women still feel isolated and confused when they become mothers.Now her eldest has turned twelve she's discovered a new line of study called matrescence, and it's clarified so many things that before were confusing. She's written all about it in her latest book...
How to have a digital detox at Christmas
December 18, 2019 19:00 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBChristmas is a time when families come together to connect and share the festive season.Screens can be a major obstacle to this kind of connection. And we're not talking about the kids. Parents can have a hard time putting their devices away. Dr Kristy Goodwin is a digital wellbeing expert with a stack of tips on how we can stay off our phones, and tuned into our families this Christmas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Helpline: Weaning plans, early risers and cat nappers
December 17, 2019 19:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MBIn this last of 2019 Mothercraft nurse Chris Minogue answers challenging questions from parents and carers about their children's eating and sleeping patterns.Helpline If you need more help why not try Babyology's Sleep School? In this episode that includes: A seven-month-old waking through the night, a weaning plan for a ten-month-old for when they are a year old, three-and-four-month-old early waker, a teething ten-month-old early riser, a 16-and-a-half-month-old waking hysterically from hi...
How to manage your holiday budget
December 16, 2019 19:00 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBSchool holidays can feel like they last forever. I mean, when was the last time had six weeks off? Whether you're hanging out with the kids this holidays, sending them off to camp or a mixture of both, you'll want to listen to Kate Browne, the Personal Finance Expert at finder.com.au. Kate is a mum of two, so she understands the challenges of sticking to a budget over the holidays. She gives us her tips on how to stay on top of your money.you See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...
Why we all need to be vigilant these summer holidays
December 15, 2019 19:00 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBSummer holidays are only a few weeks away, and those who are taking a trip somewhere might be thinking about all they need to pack. Michelle McLaughlin from Little Blue Dinosaurwould like you to think beyond that, and more about the traffic conditions of your destination. After a personal tragedy Michelle became aware of just how little we all know about road safety. She shares some easy and practical tips for staying safe these holidays. To connect with Michelle check out Little Blue Dinosa...
One mum's plea: "Don't forget us in a month"
December 12, 2019 19:00 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBLily Isobella is better known as a roving sex educator in the One a Day ProjectShe's also a mother of three who lives in Bellingen, halfway between Brisbane and Sydney. Her community is surrounded by bushfires. Lily gives some insight into what it's like living through the current bushfire conditions, and how they are all getting by.. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The three simple steps to raising resilient children
December 11, 2019 19:00 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBHugh Van Cuylenberg was a teacher in Australia before he travelled to Northern India with his then-girlfriend and volunteered in a school in the foothills of the Himalayas. What he learnt from the children in that village inspired him to research resilience, and to found The Resilience ProjectNow he's released a book: The Resilience Project, Finding happiness through gratitude, empathy and mindfulnessand he's keen to share the three straightforward steps he learnt from the kids he taught many...
Helpline: Night-roving toddlers, cuddle sleepers and early wakers
December 10, 2019 19:00 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBMothercraft Chris Minogue is the baby-whisperer that you need when you can't figure out what is going on. With over 30 years of experience, Chris knows how to tweak your routine so that life gets a little bit easier. If you need help right now, check out Babyology's new Sleep School. On this episode of she helps with the following challenges: A three-and-a-half-year-old who won't stay in his bed at night, a five-month-old waking multiple times at night, a seven-month-old needing to be held t...